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Ed Finnerty | efinnert@mlive.com

About Me:

I am a managing producer for MLive.com and the Kalamazoo Gazette, responsible primarily for local government, public safety and entertainment content. Since joining the Gazette in 1989 I have worked as a reporter covering a variety of beats and in various roles as an editor. Contact me at efinnert@mlive.com or 269-350-6833.

Paw Paw's Ben Stermer, 34, was chosen to serve as grand marshal of Monday's Memorial Day parade in Portage. Stermer, a six-year member of the U.S. Marines Corps, has served two tours of duty in Iraq twice. (Jef Rietsma/Special to MLive)

Portage residents Tony Flanders and Payton Bushouse, both 6, enjoy Monday's annual Memorial Day parade in Portage. They found a comfortable spot along the east side of Westnedge Avenue. (Jef Rietsma/Special to MLive)

Mark Chenery, commander of American Legion Post 207, salutes during the playing of Taps Monday in Portage. A brief ceremony at the Portage Creek bridge on Westnedge Avenue was part of the city's annual Memorial Day parade. (Jef Rietsma/Special to MLive)

Bands from Portage Central and Northern high schools combined Monday to participate in the annual Memorial Day parade in Portage. Brandon Darsow, a junior at Portage Central, was one of nearly 200 people in the combined band. (Jef Rietsma/Special to MLive)